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Minutes and Discourses, 6–9 October 1843

Source Note

Special conference of the Church, Minutes, and JS, Discourses, , Hancock Co., IL, 6–9 October 1843. Featured version published in “Minutes of a Special Conference,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1843, vol. 4, no. 21, 329–332. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction

From 6 to 9 October 1843, JS presided over the semiannual of the in , Illinois. JS had announced the conference about two weeks earlier in print and in a discourse. The conference was to commence on Friday, 6 October, at ten o’clock in the morning, but cold and windy weather necessitated postponing it until the next day. When the conference began the next morning at ten o’clock, JS stated that the conference would address two matters of business: first, ’s standing in the church; and second, the building of the .
In the early years of the church emerged as one of JS’s most capable followers and fellow church leaders, serving as the first counselor in the , but the two men grew estranged after the Latter-day Saints relocated to . Because of chronic sickness, Rigdon had not actively functioned as a counselor. Additionally, a rift emerged between the men following JS’s alleged plural marriage proposal to Rigdon’s daughter in spring 1842. During the next year and a half, JS’s and Rigdon’s relationship vacillated between tenuous reconciliation and open hostility. In August and September 1843, and reportedly heard rumors that Rigdon had conspired with JS’s enemies in and . During a mid-August discourse, JS responded to these allegations by publicly accusing Rigdon of disloyalty and persuading the assembled Saints to withdraw Rigdon’s ministerial . Rigdon tried to answer these charges in late August, but the claims did not receive a full investigation until the October conference. Several church leaders later stated that JS privately to replace Rigdon in the First Presidency even though Rigdon’s case was still pending.
On Saturday, 7 October, JS formally charged , and Rigdon began his defense. The session was dismissed early due to inclement weather, and Rigdon continued to defend himself on Sunday, 8 October, during which time JS dropped at least one of the charges against him. , , and advocated for mercy in Rigdon’s behalf. Although JS continued to express doubt about Rigdon’s integrity, the conference voted to retain Rigdon as one of the counselors in the First Presidency. At the conclusion of the vote, the conference adjourned until the next day due to poor weather.
On Monday, 9 October, the conference assembled for both a morning and an afternoon session. In the morning, JS stated that the next item of business for the conference was the progress of the ’s construction. During the prior season, temple workers raised the walls from somewhere between four and twelve feet high to nearly twenty-five feet high, roughly completing the first-story stonework. Yet considerable work remained, and there was a great need for labor and goods to complete the structure. After JS’s remarks, and , the members of the church’s , discussed this progress and the need for additional labor and supplies to help the work continue. echoed their comments, after which the conference voted to continue the efforts to build the temple.
In the Monday afternoon session, JS delivered a funeral sermon for , a prominent Latter-day Saint who had moved to from , Illinois, by the prior summer. JS first met Adams in 1839, when JS passed through Springfield on his way to . Thereafter Adams served as one of JS’s trusted confidants and was a father figure to him. Adams died on 11 August 1843, and though JS attended his funeral on 16 August, there is no record that he preached on that occasion. His conference sermon about Adams was possibly prompted by the attendance of Harriet Denton Adams, James Adams’s widow, at a prayer meeting held in JS’s house the night before. JS based his discourse on chapter 12 of the epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament, particularly the difference between angels and the spirits of “just men made perfect” as mentioned in verses 22–23. According to the featured published conference report, JS’s sermon “was delivered with his usual feeling and pathos; and was listened to with the most profound and eager attention by the multitude, who hung upon his instructions.” recorded that “the people were well edified” by JS’s remarks and “a very good feeling prevailed throughout” the conference.
There are apparently no extant manuscript minutes for the October 1843 conference. served as the conference clerk. Although Hills occasionally served as clerk for church and civic meetings, he was not one of JS’s usual scribes. Hills’s minutes were printed in the 15 September 1843 issue of the Times and Seasons, which was at least a month behind schedule. likely kept loose minutes of at least the proceedings against on 7 October, but if he did so, they are apparently not extant. While Richards typically recorded conference minutes in JS’s journal, which he kept, he did not do so for this conference. However, Richards did record an account of JS’s 9 October discourse in the journal. Church member copied a refined account of JS’s doctrinal teachings from that discourse into his personal journal, although it is unclear if Burgess was present at the conference. Burgess attributed these teachings to “J Smith Prophet,” and while his account is not dated, it matches the themes and doctrines JS addressed at the October 1843 conference.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    He authorized Willard Richards to publish a notice, dated 22 September, announcing the conference, but before it was published, JS announced the conference from the stand during his Sunday discourse on 24 September. (“Special Conference,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 27 Sept. 1843, [3]; Note from Willard Richards, 22 Sept. 1843; JS, Journal, 24 Sept. 1843.)

  2. [2]

    JS, Journal, 6 Oct. 1843.

  3. [3]

    Rigdon told the April 1844 conference of the church that he had frequently suffered from “the violence of sickness” and noted that “want of health, and other circumstances have kept me in silence for nearly the last five years.” (“Conference Minutes,” Times and Seasons, 1 May 1844, 5:522.)

  4. [4]

    Letter to Nancy Rigdon, ca. mid-Apr. 1842; Letter from Sidney Rigdon, 1 July 1842.

  5. [5]

    “Elder Rigdon, &c.,” Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, 3:922–923; Letter to Justin Butterfield, 16 Jan. 1843; JS, Journal, 11 Feb. 1843; Letter to Sidney Rigdon, 27 Mar. 1843; Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.

  6. [6]

    Historical Introduction to Discourse, 13 Aug. 1843–B.

  7. [7]

    JS, Journal, 27 Aug. 1843.

  8. [8]

    JS had previously called Lyman to the First Presidency in February 1843, apparently to replace Rigdon. At the time, JS was preparing ecclesiastical charges against Rigdon for his alleged connections to John C. Bennett. However, JS and Rigdon reconciled before Lyman’s calling could be announced and possibly before it could be implemented. In 1844, after JS’s death, Heber C. Kimball publicly stated that sometime around the October 1843 conference, Lyman was privately “ordained & put in the place of Sidney Rigdon as counsillor” to JS. Jedediah Grant made a similar statement in an 1844 pamphlet. This ordination may have occurred during a 1 October 1843 prayer meeting at which William Law and at least one unidentified individual were “anointed. counselors” to JS. (JS, Journal, 4 and 11 Feb. 1843; Woodruff, Journal, [20] Jan. 1843; Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 10 Jan. 1842 [1843]; Historian’s Office, General Church Minutes, 8 Sept. 1844, 12; “Continuation of Elder Rigdon’s Trial,” Times and Seasons, 1 Oct. 1844, 5:663–664; Grant, Collection of Facts, 15–16; JS, Journal, 1 Oct. 1843.)

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

    Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

    Historian’s Office. General Church Minutes, 1839–1877. CHL

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Grant, Jedediah M. A Collection of Facts, Relative to the Course Taken by Elder Sidney Rigdon, in the States of Ohio, Missouri, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Brown, Bicking and Guilbert, 1844.

  9. [9]

    Workers had completed the basement stonework in 1842. (JS, Journal, 6 Apr. 1843; David Nye White, “The Prairies, Nauvoo, Joe Smith, the Temple, the Mormons, &c.,” Pittsburgh Daily Gazette, 14 Sept. 1843, [3].)

    Pittsburgh Daily Gazette. Pittsburgh, PA. 1841–1844.

  10. [10]

    Historical Introduction to Letter of Introduction from James Adams, 9 Nov. 1839.

  11. [11]

    Historian’s Office, JS History, Draft Notes, 4 Nov. 1839, 67; JS, Journal, 4 May 1842; Historian’s Office, JS History, Draft Notes, 4 May 1842, 11.

  12. [12]

    JS, Journal, 11 and 16 Aug. 1843.

  13. [13]

    JS, Journal, 8 Oct. 1843.

  14. [14]

    JS previously touched on this subject during a funeral sermon for Elias Higbee in mid-August 1843. (Discourse, 13 Aug. 1843–A.)

  15. [15]

    Clayton, Journal, 9 Oct. 1843.

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  16. [16]

    Minutes and Discourse, 1–5 Oct. 1841; Historical Introduction to Minutes, 22 July 1842.

  17. [17]

    The 15 September issue of the Times and Seasons included an authorization for George J. Adams dated 14 October, indicating that the issue was published at least a month behind the printed date. In the previous issue, dated 1 September, John Taylor, the editor of the Times and Seasons, apologized for the lengthy delay, which he attributed to the absence of his business partner Wilford Woodruff—who was then serving a mission in the east—and his employees’ poor health. (Authorization for George J. Adams, 14 Oct. 1843; “To Our Patrons,” Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1843, 4:312.)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  18. [18]

    In the 7 October 1843 entry in JS’s journal, Richards directed the reader to “see minutes” of an account of Sidney Rigdon’s trial. Richards wrote “see minutes” in JS’s journal nine other times, each time referring to minutes he personally kept. (JS, Journal, 7 Oct. 1843; JS, Journal, 12, 24, and 30 Apr. 1843; JS, Journal, 11, 23, 27, and 29 May 1843; 29 Dec. 1843; 13 May 1844.)

  19. [19]

    See, for example, JS, Journal, 6–8 Apr. 1843; and JS, Journal, 6–9 Apr. 1844.

  20. [20]

    Burgess, who moved to Nauvoo in April 1843, noted in his journal the “joy and gladness” he felt after arriving at the city, where he had “the priviledge of hearing the doctrine of the blessed redeemer developed by his servant the Prophet.” He also seems to have sought out accounts of JS’s sermons, and there is at least one sermon recorded in his notebook that he did not attend. (Burgess, Journal, [62]–[63]; see also, for example, Discourse, 6 Apr. 1843–B, as Reported by James Burgess.)

    Burgess, James. Journal, 1841–1848. CHL. MS 1858.

  21. [21]

    Burgess, Journal and Notebook, Oct. 1841–Dec. 1848, [14]–[15]; JS, Journal, 9 Oct. 1843.

    Burgess, James. Journal and Notebook, Oct. 1841–Dec. 1848. James Burgess, Journals, 1841–1848. CHL.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Discourse, 7 October 1843, as Reported by Gustavus Hills “History of Joseph Smith” *Discourse, 8 October 1843, as Reported by Gustavus Hills History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] *Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 3, 15 July 1843–29 February 1844 *Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Gustavus Hills *Minutes and Discourses, 6–9 October 1843 *Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by James Burgess History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844] “History of Joseph Smith”

Page 330

Missourians, of a treacherous character: also his leaguing with dishonest persons in endeavoring to defraud the innocent.
President Joseph Smith related to the the detention of documents from , Esq., which were designed for the benefit of himself, (President Smith,) but was not handed over for some three or four weeks, greatly to his disadvantage. Also, an indirect testimony from , through the of , that said and others had given information, by letter, of President Smiths’ visit to , advising them to proceed to that place and arrest him there. He stated that in consequence of those, and other circumstances, and his unprofitableness to him as a counsellor, he did not wish to retain him in that station, unless those difficulties could be removed; but desired his salvation, and expressed his willingness that he should retain a place among the saints.
suggested the propriety of limiting the complaints and proofs to circumstances that had transpired since the last Conference.
President Joseph Smith replied, and showed the legality and propriety of a thorough investigation, without such limitation.
Elder plead, concerning the documents from , Esq., that he received it in answer to some inquiries which he had transmitted to him—that he received it at a time when he was sick, and unable to examine it—did not know that it was designed for the perusal and benefit of President Joseph Smith—that he had, consequently, ordered it to be laid aside, where it remained until inquired for by Joseph Smith. He had never written to concerning the visit of Joseph Smith to , and knew of no other person having done so. That, concerning certain rumors of belligerent operations under ’s administration, he had related them, not to alarm or disturb any one, but that he had the rumors from good authorities, and supposed them well founded. That he had never received but one communication from , and that of a business character, except one addressed to him conjointly with Elder , which he handed over to President Smith—that he had never written any letters to .
The weather becoming inclement, Conference adjourned until Sunday 10 o’clock A. M.
Sunday, 8th inst., 10 o’clock, A. M.
Conference assembled agreeably to adjournment, and opened with singing by the choir, and prayer by Elder .
Elder resumed his plea of defence. He related the circumstances of his reception in the city of , after his escape from —the cause of his delay in not going to the city of , on an express to which he had been appointed—and closed with a moving appeal to President Joseph Smith concerning their former friendship, associations and sufferings, and expressed his willingness to resign his place, though with sorrowful and indescribable feelings. During this address, the sympathies of the congregation were highly excited.
Elder related a conversation he had had with Esq. Johnson, in which he exonerated elder from the charge or suspicion of having had a treacherous correspondence with .
President Joseph Smith arose and satisfactorily explained to the congregation the supposed treacherous correspondence with , which wholly removed suspicion from elder , and from every other person. He expressed entire willingness to have elder retain his station, provided he would magnify his office, and walk and conduct himself in all honesty, righteousness, and integrity; but signified his lack of confidence in his integrity and steadfastness, judging from their past intercourse.
President followed with appropriate and expressive remarks on the attribute of mercy in God, as that by which He influences, controls, and conquers—and the propriety and importance of the saint’s exercising the same attribute towards their fellows; and especially towards their aged companion and fellow servant in the cause of truth and righteousness.
Elder and pres’t. followed with remarks in defence of elder .
On motion by President , and seconded by President , Conference voted that elder be permitted to retain his station as Counsellor to the .
Singing by the choir—prayer by pres’t. .
Conference adjourned for one hour.
Sunday Three o’clock P. M.
Conference assembled, but in consequence of the inclemency of the weather, business was postponed until Monday 10 o’clock A. M.
Monday 10 o’clock, A. M.
Conference assembled, and resumed business.
Singing by the choir—prayer by elder .
The business pertaining to the was then announced by the President as next in order. [p. 330]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Minutes and Discourses, 6–9 October 1843
ID #
12370
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D13:160–167
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Footnotes

  1. [6]

    As discussed in the next paragraph of the featured minutes, this charge grew out of a claim that Rigdon informed Jackson County, Missouri, sheriff Joseph H. Reynolds and Hancock County, Illinois, constable Harmon T. Wilson of JS’s location in June 1843. JS was near Dixon, Illinois, visiting his wife’s family at the time of his 23 June arrest, and it is unclear how Reynolds and Wilson became aware of his location. (Clayton, Journal, 23 June 1843.)

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  2. [7]

    In October 1842, during the Missouri government’s second attempt to extradite JS, Sidney Rigdon wrote to Springfield, Illinois, attorney Justin Butterfield seeking legal advice regarding JS’s case. Prior to this, Butterfield privately sent word to JS’s attorney Calvin A. Warren that he believed the extradition request was illegal and that JS could be released on a writ of habeas corpus. On 20 October, Butterfield responded to Rigdon’s letter with a lengthy legal analysis of JS’s case, concluding that the Illinois Supreme Court would release JS on a writ of habeas corpus. However, Rigdon apparently did not inform JS of Butterfield’s reply or his legal advice until after JS’s associates learned of the letter directly from Butterfield in December 1842. (Justin Butterfield, Chicago, IL, to Sidney Rigdon, [Nauvoo, IL], 20 Oct. 1842, Sidney Rigdon, Collection, CHL; Clayton, Journal, 14 Dec. 1842; JS, Journal, 9–20 Dec. 1842.)

    Rigdon, Sidney. Collection, 1831–1858. CHL. MS 713.

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  3. [8]

    Apparently, Rockwell—then imprisoned in Independence, Missouri, after having been accused of attempting to assassinate former Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs—told his mother, Sarah Witt Rockwell, that Rigdon wrote to Missouri informing authorities there of JS’s visit to Dixon. According to a denial from Francis M. Higbee, it appears that Orrin Porter Rockwell accused Higbee of writing the letter jointly with “Rigdon & others.” JS met with Sarah Witt Rockwell on 11 September 1843 and possibly learned about this claim then. (Letter from Francis M. Higbee, 8 Sept. 1843, underlining in original; Clayton, Journal, 18 and 23 June 1843; 11 Sept. 1843.)

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  4. [9]

    The April 1843 conference of the church investigated Rigdon’s alleged ties to John C. Bennett and ultimately voted to retain Rigdon as a counselor. (See Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843; and JS, Journal, 6 Apr. 1843.)

  5. [10]

    Aside from the letter addressed to Rigdon and Pratt, Rigdon reported at the April 1843 church conference that he had received a “threatnig letter” from Bennett demanding support. (JS, Journal, 6 Apr. 1843; see also Minutes and Discourses, 6–7 Apr. 1843.)

  6. [11]

    The May 1839 general conference of the church appointed Rigdon to serve as “a delegate to the City of Washington to lay our case before the general Government.” Rigdon did not leave Commerce, Illinois, until late October, after JS and other church leaders were appointed to accompany him. When the delegation left Commerce, Rigdon was so sick that the party’s progress dramatically slowed. The delegation contemplated leaving Rigdon in Springfield, Illinois, and finally parted with him near Columbus, Ohio, while JS and Elias Higbee boarded a stagecoach to proceed to the nation’s capital. Rigdon followed them but did not arrive in Washington DC until about a month later. Meanwhile, JS noted that the delegation stood “in need of his talents here very much.” (Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839; Letter to Emma Smith, 9 Nov. 1839; Letter of Introduction from Sidney Rigdon, 9 Nov. 1839; Historian’s Office, JS History, Draft Notes, 19 Nov. 1839, 68; Letter from Robert D. Foster, 24 Dec. 1839; Letter to Hyrum Smith and Nauvoo High Council, 5 Dec. 1839.)

  7. [12]

    JS previously reconciled with Rigdon in February 1843, one day after JS reviewed the draft history of the mob that tarred and feathered the two men in 1832. According to Rigdon’s son, JS visited the Rigdon home “a crying & wanted to shake hands with all of the family & again be good friends as they used to be.” (JS, Journal, 10–11 Feb. 1843; John W. Rigdon, Affidavit, Salt Lake Co., UT, 28 July 1905, [8], copy, in Joseph F. Smith, Affidavits about Celestial Marriage, CHL.)

    Smith, Joseph F. Affidavits about Celestial Marriage, 1869–1915. CHL. MS 3423.

  8. [13]

    Presumably Aaron Johnson, a justice of the peace in Nauvoo.

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